Ann-Christine choose the word Future for our photo challenge this week. After considering a few options, I decided to feature a recent event when a stranger’s Future outlook on life was changed.
“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” – Sean Patrick Flanery
A friend observed her eightieth birthday not too long ago and decided to celebrate this memorable occasion by helping others. The first step she took to put her plan into motion was to purchase twelve blue envelopes and place $80 in each. Next, she asked a few people if they would be willing to take an envelope and give her money away to someone who would least expect it!
When deciding who should receive this gift of money, we were given a few points to consider. One thing to consider is if someone shows unsolicited kindness towards another. Or perhaps an individual who is experiencing a personal hardship, or just someone who just needs to smile to make their day better. And it can be someone we know or a complete stranger. Once receiving this gift, the person learns that the money is from a friend who is celebrating a special birthday.
“Kindness is giving hope to those who think they are all alone in this world.” – RAKtivist
Recently my husband and I took a two-day road trip. After stopping for the night, it was necessary for me to handle our bags since my husband underwent back surgery several weeks earlier. When approaching the hotel doorway, a lady and her dog were sitting near the entrance. She could not help but notice my approach since I was juggling several bags at once; meanwhile my husband was casually walking with our dogs a few steps behind. Realizing how this scene must have looked, I casually mentioned his recent surgery. Immediately, this lady did all she could to the door so I could get in with our bags.
When talking with her later I learned she was a nurse and had to retired after being injured on the job. Later she had hip surgery and then a year ago her house was flooded during a storm and she was forced to leave. She was hopeful her house will be ready soon so she can return home.
When giving this kind lady some money from my friend, she was very appreciative and kept saying over and over again, “Thank you, this means so much”. In the Future it is doubtful she will forget our happenstance meeting and the kind gesture from strangers who care.
This coincidental meeting between two strangers has also influenced my Future outlook. This has made me more aware of the importance of voluntary acts of kindness during our everyday life and how it can make a lasting impression on the other person. Truly, this is the gift that keeps giving over and over again!
“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey